Episode Four with Special Guest Colin Prior - Apr 20

Summary

In this conversation, Colin Prior, a renowned mountain photographer, discusses his background and journey as a photographer, his transition from film to digital photography, and his experiences using the 617 camera in the mountains. He also shares insights into his approach to composition and the challenges and opportunities of photographing in the Scottish Highlands and the Karakoram mountains. The conversation highlights the importance of planning and preparation in landscape photography and the evolution of Colin's artistic vision. In this conversation, Colin Prior discusses his approach to photographing the Karakoram mountains and his book 'Fragile'. He talks about the challenges of working in color in a predominantly blue and white landscape and explains why he chose to focus on monochrome photography. He also discusses the inclusion of portraits in his book to break up the monotony of mountain images. Colin shares his inspirations for mountain photography, including Galen Rowell and Shinzo Maeda. He reflects on the impact of technology on photography and the role of photographers in conservation.

Takeaways

• Colin Prior's journey as a photographer began with a win in an underwater photography competition, which gave him the confidence to pursue photography as a career.
• The 617 camera became a signature tool for Colin, allowing him to capture the grandeur and character of the mountains in a unique panoramic format.
• Transitioning from film to digital photography brought new creative possibilities and flexibility, but also required adapting to new equipment and workflows.
• Colin's approach to composition involves a combination of planning and opportunistic photography, with a focus on capturing the unique character and visual drama of the mountains. Working in color in a predominantly blue and white landscape can be challenging, leading Colin Prior to focus on monochrome photography.
• Including portraits in a book of mountain photography can help break up the monotony of landscape images.
• Galen Rowell and Shinzo Maeda are among the photographers who have inspired Colin Prior's work.
• Technology has had a significant impact on photography, allowing for higher ISOs and better image reproduction.
• Photographers have a role to play in conservation by recording the beauty of the natural world and promoting responsible behavior in nature.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Technical Difficulties

01:33
Colin Prior's Background and Beginnings as a Photographer

05:31
The Signature Look of Colin's Photography and the 617 Camera

07:34
Transition from Film to Digital Photography

08:16
The Genesis of the 617 Format and the British Airways Commission

10:59
The Challenges of Using the 617 Camera in the Mountains

13:23
Planning and Opportunistic Photography in the Mountains

16:39
Transitioning from the 617 Format and Film to Digital Photography

26:29
Approach to Composition in the Karakoram

28:29
The Monumental Views of the Karakoram

29:14
Working in Color or Black and White

30:05
Monochrome Approach

31:15
Including Portraits

32:08
The Changing Character of the Mountains

33:29
Different Perspectives on Mountain Photography

34:16
Inspiration for Mountain Photography

36:04
The Fragile Project

40:42
The Influence of Technology on Photography

44:00
Shinzo Maeda's Influence

45:42
The Fragile Project

50:38
The Commercial Success of 'Fragile'

53:23
The Role of Photography in Conservation

56:55
The Impact of Footfall on Fragile Areas

58:24
Photography's Role in Conservation